Connecticut hosts BYU to open the 2014 season. The Huskies finished last season 3-9 overall, sixth in the American Athletic Conference. BYU went 8-5 in 2013, the fourth-best record among FBS independents. The Cougars lost to Washington in the Fight Hunger Bowl to close out their season.

Bob Diaco is entering his first season as the team's head coach. He spent the past three seasons as defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.

Running back Lyle McCombs, who led the team in rushing each of the past three seasons, was dismissed from the program over the summer for undisclosed reasons. This would have been his senior season.

Redshirt senior wide receiver Geremy Davis became the first player in UConn's FBS history to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in 2013. He finished with 1,085 yards on 71 catches.

Senior cornerback Byron Jones led the team with three interceptions last season.

BYU Cougars facts

Last season's loss to Washington broke a streak of four straight bowl victories for the Cougars.

Head coach Bronco Mendenhall is entering his 10th season at BYU. He is 82-33 overall.

At 267.3 yards per game, BYU had the 10th-best rushing offense in the country last season.

The Cougars have never played Connecticut.

Quarterback Taysom Hill had 1,344 rushing yards and 2,938 passing yards in 2013, becoming the first player in BYU history to rush for more than 1,000 yards and pass for more than 2,000 yards in a season.

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